“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” is a song written in the early 1940’s. This is a song that seems to focus on reminding us of a quiet, peaceful, old fashion Christmas. It is great to reminisce about our past, but we must live in the present, and look to the future if we are going to have a joyful Christmas.
Ironically, last December in the Connection Newsletter I shared this verse – “But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.” Jeremiah 18:4 NLT
We can testify that things didn’t turn out exactly as we had expected for 2020. For many, your dreams have been shattered by unforeseen events. But I believe it is time that we dream again! A few weeks ago, I jotted down a few things that would help me to dream again!
Let Go of the Past
To dream again, I must let go of the past. Like the Apostle Paul, “…I focus on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13 NLT
Here are four things to remember in being able to let go of the past:
• Regrets – I will not allow my regrets of my past to dominate my focus of my future.
• Restore – I will work to restore relationships that have been broken.
• Rebuild – I will work to rebuild what the enemy has tried to tear down.
• Rejoice – I will rejoice over the victories of 2020.
Set Goals
To dream again, I will set goals for 2021. Every year I set goals and 2021 will be no different. C. S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” What is it that you desire to accomplish? Write it down and post in a place you will see often. You have the ability within you to dream again!
Embrace the Future
To dream again, I will embrace my future! Jeremiah 29:11 gives us the promise that God’s plan is not to harm us, but to prosper us. The Apostle Paul teaches us that if we are faithful, we will reap a harvest in due season. Embrace the promises and plans that God has for you. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
I am confident that if we fail to dream today, we will regret it tomorrow! I’m dreaming of more than a white Christmas for you. I’m dreaming of God’s blessings beyond measure. May 2021 be a prosperous year in all that you do for Him!
Carissa and I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
